New York Post correspondent Karol Markowicz is reporting that 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, a native of Torrance, California is in custody following a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night.
No official confirmation has been confirmed by the Secret Service or other relevant law enforcement agencies at this time, though Markowicz’s report aligns with an additional report from CNN, which identified the shooter a roughly 30-year-old male from the Los Angeles area.
Footage from the scene shows a shirtless male, surrounded by law enforcement personnel, in handcuffs laying face down on the floor. Multiple media outlets, as well as the U.S. Secret Service, had previously confirmed that a gunman was in custody.
At least six shots were fired as a result of the incident, one of which struck a Secret Service agent’s chest plate. Agents then returned fire before placing the gunman in custody.
It is unclear whether the gunman was struck by gunfire as of this report.
Washington Post correspondent John Hudson further confirmed that the gunman is alive and was transported to an area hospital. He also confirmed that a Secret Service agent was injured.
Video of alleged shooter on the ground at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting, reportedly he is 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California.pic.twitter.com/o6Lb0H1HnH
— Defiant L’s (@DefiantLs) April 26, 2026
The incident took place near the main magnetometer screening area outside the ballroom. According to pool reports and statements from officials, several loud sounds consistent with gunshots were heard around 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
Secret Service agents responded immediately, with some yelling “shots fired” as they moved through the venue with weapons drawn. Guests in the ballroom took cover under tables while agents escorted the president and other dignitaries from the stage.
The event was ultimately cancelled for the evening despite President Trump’s wishes to continue.
“The U.S. Secret Service, in coordination with the Metropolitan Police Department, is investigating a shooting incident near the main magnetometer screening area at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. The president and first lady are safe along with all protectees,” the Secret Service said in an official press release. “One individual is in custody. The condition of those involved is not yet known, and law enforcement is actively assessing the situation.”
An unnamed FBI official told Reuters that the suspect appeared to have been armed with a shotgun.
President Trump addressed the matter directly on Truth Social. “Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely. The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we ‘LET THE SHOW GO ON’ but, will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement,” the president wrote.
“They will make a decision shortly. Regardless of that decision, the evening will be much different than planned, and we’ll just, plain, have to do it again.”
Trump was moved to a secure location and soon made his way back to the White House. He is expected to give a press conference around 10:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
